𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 | The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX played an instrumental role in facilitating the provision of funds amounting to Php 1,185,000.00 to eighteen (18) Friends Rescued (FRs) in Zamboanga del Sur through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Benefits Package. The DILG team led the distribution of checks during the Provincial Transformation Program Planning Workshop for FRs at Balay Bisaya, Provincial Government Complex, Dao, Pagadian City.

Together with an assembly of officials, Hon. Victor J. Yu, Chairperson of the ZDS E-CLIP Committee, spearheaded the distribution of checks representing the financial assistance to the FRs. Among the esteemed guests were Ret. Maj. Gen. Rene Glen Paje, Regional Adviser on Peace and Security (RAPS), Arnulfo Ferdinand Bajarin, NTF-ELCAC Director of Operations, Moh. Taha S. Arakama, DILG-ZDS Provincial Director, Jose Ruel D. Trobanos, DILG LGMED Chief representing RD Paisal O. Abutazil, Ermelina Bacatan, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Lt. Col. Terence P. Ylanan, 53IB Commanding Officer, and PCol. Diomarie Albarico, Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Director.

The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) is a governmental initiative that seeks to aid Friends Rescued and insurgents in reintegrating into society’s mainstream. The financial aid provided to these individuals aims to empower them to begin anew, and address their fundamental requirements like housing, education, and livelihood.

The DILG pledged its unwavering dedication to support the reintegration of friends rescued and insurgents into mainstream society through the E-CLIP program. It was emphasized that this initiative served as a crucial tool in fostering peace and development across the nation, especially in areas that have been ravaged by conflict.

The allocation of monetary aid to the FRs marked a noteworthy measure taken by the government in fostering harmony and advancement within the locality. The government fervently desires that its endeavors will pave the way for reintegration of more FRs and ultimately resulting in the attainment of peace and stability across the nation.